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Timberwolves Free Agency: Is Nenê a fit?

By Cooper Langby

Apr 12, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) shoots the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) shoots the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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A strong bench is just what the Timberwolves are looking for, and Nenê could be an affordable, perfect fit to lead the Wolves second unit.

Nenê proved a huge asset for Houston this postseason, after they signed him to a one-year $2.9 million contract last offseason. He was by no means bad during the regular season, but Nenê shot an incredible 70.6 percent from the field in the playoffs while averaging 10 points a game in 17.9 minutes off the bench. Simply put, Nenê proved that a force off the bench can be the deciding factor in a game.

Nenê’s highlight of the postseason was undoubtedly his 28-point game that lifted Houston to a 3-1 lead over Oklahoma City in which he went 12-for-12 from the field. A contribution such as this would be very welcomed by the Timberwolves, who are in search of strong bench players.

Adreian Payne becomes a free agent and will no doubt leave the team, and Jordan Hill may be following and after barely playing last season, . This leaves two slots open on the Timberwolves bench vacated by big men. The 6′-11″ Nenê could fit one of these gaps very easily.

Nenê could be a huge asset to the Timberwolves in a number of ways. Firstly, the Timberwolves are in need of a bench leader, as Dunking With Wolves’ sixth man of the year Shabazz Muhammad becomes a free agent this off-season. Nenê has proven himself to be a leader off the bench, averaging 9.1 points in 17.9 minutes per-game throughout the regular season, shooting 61.7 percent from the field.

Another asset the Timberwolves are in search of is a veteran to call Minnesota home. Nenê just completed his 15th season in the NBA, for his third team. At 34 years old, Nenê would be older than all of the Timberwolves’ current roster, but still has plenty of basketball left in him. His experience playing for three different teams has provided Nenê with the insight of multiple coaches, exposing him to multiple strategies of scoring with the ball.

Nenê would be a perfect fit coming off the bench in support of Karl-Anthony Towns or Gorgui Dieng. A steady contributor that isn’t going to break the bank is a key goal for the Wolves this off-season, and his 10 years of playoff experience are also crucial to the Wolves, should they plan to make an impact in the postseason next year.

Nenê could be a perfect sixth-man for the Wolves next year and beyond. His experience will guide the Wolves in their playoff push, and strengthen their chances should they get there.

Next: Timberwolves Free Agency: Hawks Edition

Nenê is the bench player Minnesota are looking for in their quest for a playoff birth next year. Could we see Nenê in a Timberwolves jersey next season?